C5 Suspension Help

[19,69camaro]

So I just picked up a complete front suspension with cradle, brakes/lines, rack and pinion from a 2002 C5 corvette with plans to either adapt to a first gen camaro subframe or fab up a custom unit. (yeah I know it would be easier to just buy a bare subframe from 21st century or Morrison but what can I say Im cheap. What I need to know is where can I find specs or dimensions for the c5. I heard there are some demo suspension programs that come with this I just cant find it. The main thing I need is the dimensions and angles of ther upper control arm mount. If anyone knows this would really help me out.

[Rhino]

Here is a link where you can find the Suspension Analyzer demo.
There have also been a great deal of the dimensions shared in previous posts. Just about everything you need can either be calculated from these measurements or easily attainable by searching this site. If there's any specific measurements you can't find, post up. I'm sure someone will be able to assist.

When looking at the amount of work required to retrofit C5 components into a first gen sub, you'll quickly find there will be almost nothing left of the original sub. It will be much simpler to start with a clean slate.

Just a few items to think about: You'll find you will not be able to use the C5 rack, due to it's width. To make it work you would have to narrow the center of the rack, which is extremely difficult to do on power units. It's much better to find a more suited OEM or Aftermarket unit.
The Vette components are a great starting point, but don't expect to get Vette-like handling characteristics by using the same geometry. It's well suited to a 3k lb car with great weight balance, but not so much for a muscle car. Realistically decide what purpose you want this car for, then plan a geometry accordingly.

[silver69camaro]

As the previous post said, OEM geometry isn't well suited for first gens. It will work pretty well, but there will still be some left.

Mustang racks work well for this type of application, but you'll have to mess with the geometry a bit to get the bumpsteer down. Be aware the Performance Trends suspension points aren't very accurate.

If you do it right, you'll be rewarded with geometry specs bolt-on's can't touch...all pretty much due to spindle height.

[Rhino]

Be aware the Performance Trends suspension points aren't very accurate.

That's something I noticed myself, although wasn't sure if I was measuring incorrectly. That makes me feel a little better.

Are there any better public domain data sets available?

[Snakeater]

I am very interested in this as well. I have a 69 camaro that already has a dana 44 independant rear out of a vette in it. I was thinking the same thing, find a vette front assembly and build my own. Keep us abreast of what you find. I will most likely be following your path. Snakeater

[19,69camaro]

Thanks for the thoughts guys. Right now Im waiting for the c5 stuff to arrive at my door. Its hard to figure out what I want to do without the parts in front of me but as soon as I make some progress/decissions Ill let you know.

[19,69camaro]

I just found a pic of an Impala for sale on ebay I think I might end up doing something similar to this. It should make fabrication a ton easier and provide nice secure mounts for the swaybar, lower control arm and rack

[Rhino]

I'd be interested to seeing how the engine sets in relation to the rack. My guess is that the crank pulley and rack will want to occupy the same space.

I would, personally, avoid using the C5 cradle. In addition to the rack issue, it's going to require you to use the stock lower mount points. Stock lower mounts requires the use of the stock hub width. On a C5, it would measure ~66". That's running on the ragged edge of wide for a 1st gen.

EDIT: After finding the car on ebay, I think it may work with the 409 he's using, although he's raising the engine significantly to get this to work. By doing this you'll be negating any benefit of even an optimally modified geometry.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Chevr...fCarsQ5fTrucks

[red95t/a]

We put C5 suspension on a 70 C10 with air ride and it was easier to make custom mounts on the frame for the upper and lower control arms. We also went with an F-body rack which was narrower for turning at low ride height. That aluminum K member is tough to deal with but I havent tried it on a camaro yet. Good luck.

[T_Raven]

I've also got a C5 front suspension I'll be using to fab a subframe for my 67. The frame and mounting points for the A arms shoud be easy enough once I get the geometry worked out. It's the rack and steering arms that'll be a little harder to get right. It'll be a while till I get to mine so I'll be interested to see what you come up with.

[19,69camaro]

The suspension arrived today minus the steering rack (still sorting that out with the seller). I took a couple of measurements scratched my head the took more measurements and I think Im going to scratch the engine cradle idea. Like Rhino said the width hub to hub is close to 66" and that just wont work. Planning on parting out the cradle, leaf spring, and the front swaybar and saving up for a 21st century bare frame since I have most of the parts. So if you know anyone send them my way. Also what does the 21st century bare subframe go for I called but the number wasnt in service.